The Nigerian Army (NA) has declared 38 senior leaders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group wanted, following the forensic analysis of recovered electronic devices after a recent offensive operation against ISWAP fighters in Lake Chad region of Borno State.
This was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the northeast region of the country.
The statement disclosed that, “Subsequent forensic exploitation of the recovered devices generated actionable intelligence, leading to the identification of locations associated with terrorist activities as well as identities of several senior ISWAP leaders operating within the Mangari–Metele–Dogon Chukun axis along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin in Abadam and Kukawa local government areas of Borno State.
“The identified terrorist leaders and key operatives include Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa – Wali (Governor of ISIS West Africa Province), his Deputy/Amirul Jaish Muhammad Jidda (“The One-Handed Man”) and Hamad Abu Hanifa, the Amirul-Fiya of ISWAP, among others.”
He further said, “The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest.
“The military will offer a substantial financial reward to any individual whose credible and actionable information directly leads to his arrest.
“Operation Hadin Kai urges members of the public to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending these suspected terrorist operatives.
“Citizens are strongly advised not to confront or attempt to apprehend the suspected terrorists under any circumstances.”
He noted that any information provided would be treated confidentially and the identities of informants would be protected in accordance with established security procedures, adding that any credible information should be reported via official security reporting channels or by calling 07084988859.